Conservative Friends of Israel’s Parliamentary chairman, James Arbuthnot, is to retire from the role.

He will be replaced by Hertsmere MP James Clappison.

Mr Clappison is currently a vice-chairman of the group, but will take on the top position temporarily while CFI considers a permanent appointment.

Planning minister Nick Boles was guest speaker at CFI’s annual summer reception in Parliament last week.

Mr Boles said he was grateful to the group because he met his civil partner, Israeli Shay Meshulam, while on a CFI trip to Tel Aviv.